The uptake of cloud solutions by businesses has increased steadily, transforming the way workforces operate and collaborate. However, network latency created by traditional solutions can slow down these applications, creating delays and barriers to working seamlessly in a hybrid fashion. Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) comes into the picture as a solution to address these challenges.
SD-WAN is a networking solution that uses software to manage network connectivity and optimise data routing over large distances. It offers a flexible and responsive way of managing network traffic compared to traditional solutions like MPLS. As such, it is an excellent solution for businesses operating across multiple sites or relying heavily on cloud applications.
Here are five benefits you can expect to see when leveraging SD-WAN. In this blog, we frequently refer to Cisco Meraki SD-WAN because it is one of our top choices when deploying SD-WAN solutions.
Avoid latency created by MPLS
While Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) has long remained a staple in enterprise networking, it creates latency issues when accessing cloud applications. MPLS uses fixed pathways, meaning data packets must travel longer distances before reaching their destination. Such an issue becomes particularly problematic when leveraging real-time applications or services sensitive to delays, such as video conferencing or Voice over IP (VoIP).
SD-WAN overcomes this latency by routing traffic based on the current network conditions, the critical nature of applications, and the defined policies. So, data takes the most efficient route possible, reducing the time it takes to travel between locations.
As cloud computing relies heavily on real-time data exchange, any delay can slow operations and impact productivity. With Cisco Meraki SD-WAN, your business can experience more responsive applications, improved user experience, and enhanced efficiency.
Built-in cyber security
Cisco Meraki SD-WAN includes in-built security features, like firewall protection, which you can deploy on-premise or in the cloud, depending on your enterprise’s specific requirements. It eliminates the need for separate security appliances and provides secure, direct internet access at each branch level. This dual functionality reduces exposure to threats while enhancing visibility and control over network traffic.
It’s worth noting that the real-time monitoring capability of Cisco Meraki SD-WAN enables your team to quickly detect security issues and promptly address them. These features collectively strengthen the overall security posture of your business, a critical feature if you rely on cloud applications.
Monitor and analyse your SD-WAN in real time
Cisco Meraki SD-WAN allows your business to monitor and analyse network traffic in real time. The intuitive dashboard delivers comprehensive visibility into your network, with data on application usage, user behaviour, and network health. With such insight, your team can identify issues and take action to resolve these.
Real-time data empowers your business to make informed decisions about network management, identify patterns of usage that may impact network performance, and troubleshoot issues.
If you are an enterprise leveraging cloud applications, real-time monitoring provides valuable insight into the performance and usage of these applications. So, you can optimise resource allocation and improve application performance.
Cost savings
Traditional networking solutions, like MPLS, come with direct and indirect cost implications. Direct costs include high expenditures on hardware, software, and maintenance of the network infrastructure. Indirect costs come from network downtime, reduced productivity due to latency, and managing multiple network devices and security appliances. These factors can significantly impact your enterprise’s bottom line.
Cisco Meraki SD-WAN improves the efficiency and performance of cloud applications, reducing the costs associated with latency and application downtime. By managing network traffic and routing data along the most efficient paths, SD-WAN minimises network congestion and latency issues, leading to less downtime — reduction in latency and application downtime results in cost savings.
Enabling remote workforce setups
The remote work trend has led to a growing need for robust and reliable networking solutions supporting distributed workforces. The challenges include maintaining network performance, ensuring security, and managing IT infrastructure remotely.
Cisco Meraki SD-WAN is well-suited to address these needs, effectively supporting remote work setups. Its ability to manage network traffic ensures consistent network performance, regardless of the user’s location. The centralised, cloud-based management capabilities of Cisco Meraki SD-WAN simplify remote network management, making it easier for IT teams to support distributed workforces.
As it optimises the performance of cloud-based applications and provides robust security measures, remote employees can work more efficiently and securely. Furthermore, real-time monitoring and analytics help IT teams manage and troubleshoot network issues remotely, ensuring seamless operations and minimal downtime. In a world where remote work is increasingly the norm, Cisco Meraki SD-WAN provides the essential tools to empower and support remote workforces.
Conclusion
Cisco Meraki SD-WAN delivers numerous benefits to your enterprise and ensures your team gets the most from your cloud applications. It addresses the latency issues inherent in traditional MPLS, with robust cyber security features built in to enhance your company’s security posture.
The real-time monitoring and analytics capabilities in Cisco Meraki SD-WAN enable better decision-making and problem-solving, enabling your business to save costs. Overall, this solution is well-suited to support the rising trend of remote work, offering features that ensure network performance and security for your distributed workforce.
Why work with alltasksIT on your networking and connectivity needs?
At alltasksIT, we understand the importance of a secure and efficient network to a hybrid workforce, so we ensure that mobile devices can easily access your secure wireless network. Our dedicated team will develop and implement an end-to-end solution that caters to your unique business needs so that your networking and connectivity solution no longer slows you down. Please visit our Networking and Connectivity for more.
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